A new technique called GETMap can trace the source of circulating DNA in the blood, which could be used to monitor organ transplant rejection, detect hidden cancers, and even screen for early asymptomatic cancers. The test identifies genetic and epigenetic markers to determine whether DNA comes from a specific tissue or organ.
A recent study found that bilingual infants have a strong preference for infant-directed speech in their native language, while monolinguals also respond more strongly. The research, involving hundreds of babies from around the world, suggests that language familiarity plays a key role in shaping infant language development.
A study published in eLife found that domestication has a consistent effect on the gut microbiota of animals, similar to the effects of industrialisation in human populations. The research highlights the flexibility of the gut microbiota and its ability to respond to ecological changes.
A University of Birmingham-led study has identified a method to accurately diagnose concussion using saliva, providing a new laboratory-based non-invasive salivary biological concussion test. The test uses biomarkers that can indicate if a player has been concussed and provide insights into the body's response to injury.
A multinational study of nearly 200,000 people found significant sex-dependent differences in the genetics of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorders. The findings suggest that interactions between genes and sex may affect disease risk and progression.
Researchers have developed ceramic materials to enhance circulators, critical devices for 5G applications, by replacing yttrium with bismuth to increase energy density and enable miniaturization
Researchers discovered that plants have a 'potassium-sensitive niche' in the root tip that reacts to potassium deficiency, directing signalling pathways to mediate adaptation. This finding sheds light on how plants adapt to essential nutrient potassium, which is crucial for growth and stress resistance.
A recent study found that bilingual babies have a similar interest in infant-directed speech as monolingual babies, and are developmentally on track. The study showed that exposure to one language does not hinder the learning of another, and that parents can confidently babble to their babies in one or two languages.
A recent study found that people who received a flu shot last flu season were significantly less likely to test positive for COVID-19 and had fewer complications if they did. Researchers reviewed medical charts for over 27,000 patients and discovered a strong association between flu vaccination and reduced COVID-19 infections.
Researchers analyzed ancient bones from A??kl? Höyük to determine the ages of unborn and neonatal lambs. The study reveals that early Neolithic sheep-herders faced high levels of mortality among young animals, with infections, malnutrition, and overcrowding being primary causes.
A study published in JAMA found that 40% of critically ill patients who undergo tracheal intubation experience life-threatening complications. The research highlights the importance of understanding these complications to improve patient outcomes and reduce mortality rates.
A study using satellite technology has revealed the 3D movements of young great white sharks near New York, showing they prefer coastal waters and can exhibit connectivity to mid-continental shelf regions. The research provides new insights into their ecology, behavior, and conservation, informing preservation strategies for this vulne...
Researchers have identified distinct chemical signatures for concussion in the spit of elite male rugby players, suggesting a potential non-invasive diagnostic test. The findings could help diagnose concussions at all levels of participation, particularly at grass-roots levels where medical assessments are not readily available.
A new lymph node collection kit has been shown to improve long-term survival after curative-intent lung cancer surgery. The kit helps surgeons attain complete resection by improving pathologic nodal evaluation, leading to a significant increase in R0 resections and reduction in non-examination of lymph nodes.
The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated financing challenges and hampered investment in renewable energy infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries. Despite this, frontrunners in the global energy transition will continue to expand their renewable energy capacities.
A new CRISPR study has identified the LRRN4CL gene as playing a key role in the spread of certain cancers to the lungs. The research found that over-expression of this gene makes melanoma cells more likely to metastasize to the lungs, and may also be linked to poorer patient outcomes.
A recent study by Tulane University researchers found that human-made levees on the Mississippi River have reduced the amount of organic carbon released into the atmosphere. The team measured sediment ages and deposition times, revealing that ancient carbon was buried at a slower rate before modernization.
A new study published in Geology has discovered macroscopic fossils of multiple species of algae that thrived together on the seafloor about 950 million years ago. The discovery provides critical time constraints for eukaryotic evolution and pushes back the time when algae were living in marine environments.
A study published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases found that the implementation of mask-wearing, physical distancing, and school closures significantly decreased rates of common respiratory viral infections like influenza. The analysis showed an approximate 80% reduction in cases compared to similar time periods before these measures...
The new IHRS unifies geodetic measurements by establishing a universally accepted zero level, based on the Earth's gravity field. This replaces the mean sea level, which had inconsistent definitions across countries, causing problems in measuring heights such as Mount Everest's.
Researchers from the University of Warwick have developed a novel technique called Polymer Substrate Fingerprinting, which identifies every banknote's unique fingerprint. This method can uniquely identify each individual banknote with extremely high accuracy, even under rough handling.
Researchers are investigating how sleep affects lung health and exercise tolerance in African Americans compared to Caucasian smokers, thanks to a $30,000 grant from the CHEST Foundation. The study aims to identify potential associations between sleep deficiency, smoking, and lung health disparities in high-risk African American adults.
A low-cost, mass-producible ventilator designed by the Mechanical Ventilator Milano collaboration has been developed to address the worldwide shortage of ventilators during the COVID-19 pandemic. The design features a simplified system with reduced functionality compared to typical ventilators, resulting in lower production costs.
A new recurrent neural network framework enables fast and efficient 3D imaging of fluorescent samples, reducing scan times by ~30-fold. The approach uses few 2D images to reconstruct 3D images, mitigating photo-bleaching challenges in live sample experiments.
Researchers discovered a rare genetic variant that dampens innate immunity to COVID-19, increasing the risk of severe disease in younger men. Genetic testing and interferon treatment may benefit affected individuals.
Researchers at UCLA discovered that deactivating a specific gene in cancer cells can significantly slow tumor growth and enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy. The findings hold promise for developing more effective treatments for highly invasive head and neck squamous cell cancers.
Researchers have identified BMI1 as a key player in protecting neurons from DNA disorganization, a phenomenon associated with Alzheimer's disease. The discovery adds to our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms leading to the disorder and brings hope for future treatments.
An international research team of otolaryngologists and dental specialists has reached consensus on diagnosing and managing odontogenic sinusitis (ODS), a condition that can spread from teeth to sinuses, brain, or rest of the body. The initiative aims to improve collaboration between ENT surgeons and dental providers to diagnose ODS mo...
Mass testing campaigns in Slovakia significantly decreased SARS-CoV-2 infection rates, with the highest reductions observed in high-prevalence counties. The study found that rapid antigen testing, combined with isolation of those who tested positive, resulted in a substantial decrease in transmission
Researchers used trail cameras to study wildlife behavior during the pandemic, gathering data on animal populations and identifying unique research opportunities. The cameras allowed scientists to monitor individual animals passively over a large area without the need for manual trapping or processing.
A new study by researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found that the biospheric carbon turnover within river basins is vulnerable to future temperature and precipitation perturbations from a changing climate. This suggests that soil organic carbon sensitivity to climate change may be more widespread than previously assumed.
Three UNIST graduate students, SangIn Kim, ByeongEun Lee, and YeonSong Choi, have been awarded the prestigious 2021 Asan Foundation Medical Bioscience Scholarship for their innovative work in DNA damage response, degenerative brain diseases, and disease genomics. The award provides financial assistance and recognizes their contribution...
Researchers found that supplement N-acetyl-cysteine prevents formation of amyloid proteins, potentially leading to treatments for certain forms of dementia. The study suggests that the supplement could reduce risk of strokes and brain hemorrhages in patients with hereditary cystatin C amyloid angiopathy.
A recent study found that North American deserts are home to a high array of butterfly species due to the desert's changing conditions and mobile nature. This diversity is attributed to the butterflies' generalist behavior and lack of host plant specificity, making them less likely to cluster together.
A recent survey of nearly 7,500 physicians globally found that burnout has reached a very high rate, with women in healthcare suffering the most. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this issue, and policymakers must work with the scientific community to develop a comprehensive burnout prevention strategy.
Researchers have discovered a way to twist material properties by stacking and slightly rotating 2D layers, which significantly influences the material's properties. This phenomenon, known as the Moiré effect, allows for control over phonon vibrations, potentially leading to new applications in materials science.
A new diagnostic tool uses DPP3 to predict sepsis outcomes and guide early management. High DPP3 levels indicate severe sepsis and predict organ failure.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University found the Pfizer vaccine to be moderately less effective against the South African variant, while still providing protection against the British variant and the original strain. The study was published in Cell Host and Microbe and suggests that future variants may require a modified vaccine.
A survey of college students in the US found that extroverted individuals experienced significant mood declines during the early COVID-19 pandemic, while introverted individuals saw improved moods. The study suggests that personality traits may play a role in adjusting to the pandemic.
The discovery of 522-million-year-old cephalopod fossils in Newfoundland, Canada, could rewrite the evolutionary history of invertebrate organisms. If confirmed, these ancient fossils would indicate a 30-million-year earlier origin for modern cephalopods.
Researchers found that the Parkinon's gene PINK1 impairs the process of generating dopamine-producing neurons in the brain throughout adulthood. This discovery has significant implications for the future treatment of Parkinson's patients who develop the illness due to PINK1 defect or similar gene defects.
Researchers at Kumamoto University found that aging cells in abdominal fluid contribute to peritoneal dissemination of gastric cancer by promoting cellular senescence and inflammation. This understanding could lead to new treatments targeting cancer cells and associated fibroblasts.
A new study from Clemson University finds that surveillance-based informative testing (SBIT) can detect and contain COVID-19 outbreaks on campus, reducing cases by 154%. The strategy focused on residential hotspots and was twice as effective as simple random testing.
A new study explores the role of MHC-I variants in SARS CoV-2 infection, finding that certain alleles are better at binding viral fragments and stimulating a strong immune response. This knowledge may help predict individual susceptibility and inform vaccine development.
A team of international researchers has identified four discrete curvatures as excellent indicators of market instabilities in the stock market networks for the USA S&P500 and Japanese Nikkei-225 indices. The Forman-Ricci curvature (FRE) captures market fear and fragility, revealing sector-driven and global market fluctuations that fac...
Research investigated associations between maternal hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children, including autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The study found significant links between these conditions, highlighting the importance of prenatal care for fetal health.
Researchers have discovered that bacteria residing within tumor cells can be harnessed to provoke an immune reaction against the tumor. The findings suggest that bacterial peptides presented on tumor cells can serve as potential targets for immunotherapy, enabling immune T cells to recognize and attack cancer cells more precisely.
Researchers discover fruit fly egg takes an active role in its own growth and supports neighboring cells, challenging the long-held view of passive egg development. The findings highlight parallels to mammalian development and suggest bidirectional communication between oocyte and nurse cells.
A study analyzing metaphors used by people with severe depression in blogs reveals the importance of social factors, surroundings, and medical practice. The research also highlights the usefulness of blogs as an outlet for expressing and understanding depression experiences.
Researchers at the University of Kansas found that fans tend to favor teams that build success through time and effort over those assembled from free agency. Fans appreciate the backstory behind a team's success, including hard work and dedication to player development. This preference is strong and reliable across various studies.
A study by Indiana University researchers found that competition among free-living female songbirds changes gene activity in the brain, even after the interaction has ended. The effects can last up to two days and are related to epigenetic marks, which chemically modify DNA to link past experience with future behavior.
Quasi-2D perovskites offer self-assembled multi-quantum-well structures and large exciton binding energy, enabling high carrier density and efficient radiative recombination. Researchers are exploring composition and structure engineering to achieve pure red and blue LEDs with improved performance.
Patients treated with infliximab have impaired antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2, increasing susceptibility to recurrent COVID-19. The drug also impairs the immune system's ability to generate antibodies after vaccination.
Researchers found that shelter-in-place orders during the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with significant weight gain among adults, particularly those with pre-existing obesity. The study suggests that lockdowns and reduced physical activity may contribute to these weight changes.
Researchers from MIPT and ITMO University have created a system for controlled formation of melamine cyanurate crystals, which can be used to deliver drugs directly to specific tissues in the human body. The discovery opens up new possibilities for targeted drug delivery technology.
Scientists studying early-budding trees have identified a key gene, EBB3, that regulates bud-break in response to temperature changes. This discovery could lead to genetically modified crops more resilient to warmer winters and late frosts.
Researchers found that adding an iron binder to Bedaquiline treatment boosts its ability to combat TB bacteria. The study suggests a promising approach to improving patient outcomes and developing new treatments.
Scientists found a metal-insulator transition in 2H-MoTe2 by enhancing electron-phonon coupling at the surface. The experiment shows strong interaction of electrons and lattice excitations, forming polarons that localize and drive the observed phase transition.
A new study from the University of Minnesota Medical School suggests that disease-driving B cells contribute to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The research, led by Fanta Barrow, found that a Western diet and changes in gut microbes activate these pathogen-fighting B cells into 'disease-promoters',
Researchers investigated whether people affected by the 2017 Stockholm terrorist attack would change their political views on terrorism-related questions. Contrary to previous theories, they found no significant difference in attitudes among those who were close to the attack compared to those who were not. The study's findings suggest...